OBITUARY

Sylvia Kennedy Neal

December 10, 1943 – February 26, 2013

Neal, Sylvia (nee Kennedy)
Born in St.John’s Newfoundland on December 10, 1943 and passed away peacefully at Hollandview Trail in Aurora on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 in her 70th year. Beloved mother of Jennifer (Alan Irwin ), Geoff ( Connie Mallia) and Eric. Proud grandmother to Jack, Emma and Aaron. Survived by George Neal , her sister Marguerite ( David Porter), sister in-law Mary Kennedy and predeceased by twin brother David Kennedy. Daughter of the late Walter and Mildred Kennedy. Proud recipient of Kiwanis Rose Bowl and Senior Star Contestant. Sylvia will be remembered for her beautiful voice and her love of family including her four legged friends. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends from the Evergreen Choir, Aurora Seniors Centre and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. The family would like to thank the staff of Sunrise of Aurora and Hollandview Trail. Friends may call at Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Pkwy, S., Aurora on Friday, March 1st from 6-8pm . Funeral service in the Chapel of Thompson Funeral Home on Saturday, March 2nd at 11:00 am, followed by cremation at Forest Lawn Crematorium. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Sylvia can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation . On-line condolences may be made at www.thompsonfh-aurora.com

REMEMBERING

Sylvia Kennedy Neal

Sylvia and I sang duets for the York Region Community Choir and the Aurora Seniors Evergreen Choir. She was always an enthusiastic and diligent participant in rehearsals and concertperformance. I and many other choristers were so eager to have her return . Alas...not to be. But we remember !

Bill Reid

Heather (Campbell) Saunders

March 15, 2013

To Sylvia's Family - I knew Sylvia at school in Prince of Wales College in St. John's Newfoundland, at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Sunday School, CGIT, the Kirk Choir and the Cantabury Singers in St. John's under the direction of Eileen Stanbury. We lost contact for awhile, but reconnected a number of years sharing news via friends in Ontario and Christmas cards to each other. Sylvia and I, along with 3 other teenagers travelled across the Island of Newfoundland on the "Newfie Bullet" train (named because it took so long in the 1960's to go across the Island), then continued our journey on the William Carson across the Gulf, then train again in Nova Scotia, to Merrigomish, arriving at the Presbyterian Church "Camp Geddie" at 3:00 a.m. in the morning. At camp Sylvia and I were lead singers in a production of "Pirates of Penzance" put on by the campers. It was a wonderful experience. My heart goes out to the family to lose your beautiful mother, sister and friend. My sincere sympathy.Heather (Campbell) SaundersSt. |John's, NL

Joyce Frey

March 13, 2013

Dear Jennifer, Geoff and Eric,I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I just heard about it a few minutes ago.I can't believe she is gone, she was my dear friend, I often thought of her, she had such a beautiful voice. She gave me goose bumps when she sang at Rachelle's wedding.She is gone but will never be forgotten.My sincere sympathy.Joyce Frey

Sophie Peckford-Diamond

March 6, 2013

To The Family of Sylvia (Kennedy) Neal:

I hurt so much hearing about Sylvia's recent death. She was my friend from school at Prince of Wales College on LeMarchant Road, St. John's, NL.

It was a pleasure to visit at the Kennedy house on Bell Street and chat with Sylvia's parents, Mr. & Mrs. Kenney, her twin brother David (who also attended PWC), her sister & brother-in-law, Marguerite & David Porter & her dog, Butch.

"You will sing with the angels in Heaven from now on, Sylvia."

Sophie Peckford-DiamondSt. John's, NL

March 5, 2013

Sylvia and I became good friends the last 2 years of high school.We often walked home together from PWC, and she loved to come to my house for an after school snack of chocolate cake and milk. I have such good memories of spending time at her home as well.After she moved away , our paths unfortunately separated and we lost touch. I will never forget her singing, what a beautiful voice!Please accept my condolences with deepest sympathy to her family.Elsie (Moores) RideoutSt. John's, NL

March 4, 2013

Dear Geoff & family,We received the news of the passing of your mother and we are saddened by it. You had mentioned in many meetings how you admired and loved her. She sounded like an exceptional lady. Knowing you I'm sure she was. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we send you our deepest condolences. We will gladly make a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation in the memory of your mother. Warmest regards, Terri & Mario

Ford Neal

Eleanor (Dawe) Bonnell

March 3, 2013

Sylvia and I sat at the same table in Kindergarten. We attended each other's birthday parties. Our paths varied as we grew older. My most vivid memory of her, and that of many others, was her singing of The Holy City at our High School ( PWC) Talent show. She sang it again at our 25th Reunion, and her voice was just as beautiful and thrilling. Though she was unable to attend our 50th Reunion last year, many still spoke of her singing as being a striking rememberance of their High School experience. It is sad that her voice is now silenced. My sincere sympathies to her family and friends.

Dee Smith

March 3, 2013

I miss our unplanned meetings and good conversations at Longo's Starbucks. It is so sad when a Songbird dies.

Chris Porter

March 2, 2013

JENNIER, Eric, GEoff and families:Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time in the passing of your Mom, grandmother, Mother-in-law. Chris, Maureen, Ashley and Matthew. CBS, Newfoundland

Wendy Batten

March 2, 2013

To the Family of Sylvia. I never met her but have never forgotten hearing her sing O Holy Night at a PWC Christmas assembly about 50 years ago. Her voice was incredible. With sympathy.

Sandra Winters

March 2, 2013

My sincere condolences to Sylvia's family. She contributed to York Region Community Choir with grace and style and she has been missed greatly since her stroke. Heaven has a new singing angel and I don't doubt she is leading the choir, standing right next to Gabriel!

Ann & Bill Oliver

March 1, 2013

Sincere condolences go out to the family.I will miss our long conversations on the phone and over lunch, a friendship that spanned over 40 years, and especially Sylvia's beautiful voice.Best friends always,

Elva Cartwright

March 1, 2013

Thank you for the wonderful memories, singing with me, your stories, laughter and most of all just being you. I will truly miss your smile and you will remain close to my heart. Elva Cartwright 35 Devins Dr. Aurora Ontario L4G 2Z3

kayla payne

March 1, 2013

i will remember aunt SYLVIA she had a beautiful voice and she did a great job i will all ways remember what pop all ways said to sylvia when she phone us got your old age pension yet she will all ways be in my heart forevery love kayla

March 1, 2013

i will remember aunt SYLVIA she had a beautiful voice and she did a great job i will all ways remember what pop all ways said to sylvia when she phone us got your old age pension yet she will all ways be in my heart forevery love kayla

March 1, 2013

Jennifer, Alan, Emma & Jack, so sorry for you loss. words can't describe your loss. I remember some of your stories you share with us at the scrap weekend. She will be missed by many.

Sherry & Tim Stanley

March 1, 2013

ALWAYS REMEMBER THOSE WHO TOUCH OUR LIVES STAY IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER.SISTER,MARGUERITE HUSBAND DAVID AND KAYLA AND LISA

Galina Pauwels

March 1, 2013

Jennifer, Geoff, Eric and children, we are so sorry for your lost. Sylvia with her love for life, people and music brought joy and laughter in to our life. She has a special place in our hearts and her spirit will always be with us. We hope you find comfort in knowing how much your mother/grandmother was loved, appreciated and admired.

York Region Community Choir

March 1, 2013

February 26th, 2013 is a sad day for the York Region Community Choir. We lost a good friend, a beautiful and inspiring woman, talented singer, a long-time YRCC chorister with a distinctive voice, impish laugh, sparkling eyes, and great shoes! We'll always remember Sylvia's spectacular solos, when she was able to unleash her powerful voice. What a great gift and what talent! We'll also remember her great sense of humour and fun. We'd joke about her being a diva, but Sylvia was really very humble and a great team player. A proud Newfie, she was charming and funny, and often had a twinkle of mischief in her smile. We loved Sylvia's collection of fancy high-heeled shoes and remember her whenever Trix or Heather wear a special pair of heels. We were as proud as parents when Sylvia won the Regional Senior Star Competition in 2009 and went to the national finals! Our Sylvia! Every time our Sylvia sang, she made us proud. We will miss our Sylvia. We send out warm and loving thoughts and prayers to her family and other friends as we mourn with them.

Ted, Nadya, Taylor & Jared

March 1, 2013

Jen, Al, Jack & Emma-

We are so sad to hear of the passing of Sylvia. She was a lovely woman who loved you all very much. Our thoughts are with you.

Cristine,Rachel and Nicholas

March 1, 2013

Dear Jen, Al, Jack, Emma & family - Even thou I only got to meet your Mom one time, I could tell right away that she was a woman who was of rare beauty, class, and grace after looking at all these beautiful photos it really reflected this. We are truly sorry to hear of your Mom's passing and want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Holly Ruccia

March 1, 2013

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

February 28, 2013

Jenn, Al, Jack and my favorite Emma, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. I only met Sylvia a few times but when we talked it felt like i knew her forever.She was your fun and out going East coast lady always had a good laugh.I would like to send our best wishes to you guys and the rest of your family on this sad day. With all the love in the world from the bakers .Leo, Sue, Tristan, Colby, Skylar and Liam .

February 28, 2013

I always looked forward to seeing Sylvia at the centre. She had such flair for everything she did and her love of life was contagious. Sorry for your loss

Virginia Bodnar

Phyllis Morris

February 28, 2013

To Sylvia's family and friends - I'm truly saddened to hear of your loss. Sylvia was such a genuinely happy and gracious person & was also very kind. She will be missed

Renate Naghavi

February 28, 2013

Sylvia's ability to balance excellence, grace and flair with down-to-earth honesty, humility, humour and kindness was attractive and inspiring. She was beautiful and made us not only look and sound better but sing and be better. I miss her extraordinary voice in the Soprano section. I miss her smiles, chuckles and giggles most of all. My deepest sympathies to her many dear friends and family.

Lorraine Sato

February 28, 2013

Jen, Al, Jack and Emma so sorry for your loss and hope that the pictures you have posted will remind you only of the happy times! My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Patricia Verge

February 28, 2013

Sylvia ws one of the first people to welcome me, quite literally with open arms, to the YRCC choir. Her enthusiasm, brilliant smile and of course, her beautiful voice, always gave me joy. I have missed her in choir as we all have, I'm sure, but her support, advice and joyous laughter is something I will always be thankful for. My sincerest condolences to all her friends and family.

Andrew and Lida Palalas

February 28, 2013

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Anne, Paul and Allison Snelgrove

February 28, 2013

During our extended time together as next door neighbours and close friends, Sylvia shared countless hours of conversation, the love of animals and music, holiday celebrations and our neighbourhood with us. She was a caring and supportive friend who embraced the life she gradually developed for herself in Aurora fully and with enthusiasm. We will miss her a great deal but will hold precious memories of a very special lady close in our hearts forever.

Stephen & Donna Porter

February 27, 2013

Myself and Donna were blessed to have Aunt Sylvia sing at our wedding. Although this was over 20 years ago it is a memory that will never be forgotten by us and everyone in attendance. We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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